Photographer: Jennifer Daigle Photography

Erika of Small Shop Studio graciously gifted us with a peek at her irresistibly stylish Southern California abode. Sleek, modern shapes enjoy a backsplash of rich neutrals, vibrant pops of color, and utterly divine light fixtures. (Not to mention the signature brass accents, which punctuate each room rather fabulously!) From an astonishing array of artwork to textural intrigue galore, Erika’s killer design aesthetic is a colorful and inspiring ode to contemporary glamour.

“My reading nook consists of two of my favorite furniture pieces, both design classics: a white Barcelona chair and a Carrera marble top Saarinen tulip table. With fresh flowers, a Diptyque scent, and coffee in my grandmother’s China (or a glass of wine!), I’m all set up for sifting through the latest fashion and décor mags.”

“When we lived in Hell’s Kitchen in NYC, I’d take the A/C/E train down to the Village/Meatpacking and up to the UWS. This vintage subway sign is a perfect piece of memorabilia for me — plus, it’s an ‘E,’ so it can’t be beat!” Faux gazelle horns, Modern Chic Home; cowhide stool, Homegoods; book, “Gucci: The Making Of”; Pierre Hardy sandals.

Tell us about the way you’ve decorated your home. What pieces or designs in particular scream “Erika,” and why?
My husband would say: anything brass! I’m a fan of that dash of glam, done right. And I’m a huge bargain hunter. So the 1970s brass étagère in my office and the pair of brass mushroom lamps — both scored from vintage shops! — represent my style best.

“I’m a big believer in mixing new and old. The beni ourain rug and the Gucci ashtray are both vintage, while the silver snakeskin box (Lille) is a very modern accessory (to hold all of those unattractive remotes).” Jonathan Adler “Meurice” cocktail table; Moroccan inlaid box, Homegoods; book, Tom Ford; bowl and Hawaii coasters, vintage.”

“My husband took this photo of a train station in Portugal by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, and we just had it blown up onto canvas. I love the personal yet design-cool element it brings!” Sectional sleeper, Room & Board; fur pillows, Restoration Hardware; metallic square pillow, DwellStudio; Jonathan Adler “Meurice” cocktail table; vintage beni ourain rug, Moroccan Maryam.

How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
Fashion: Jenna Lyons meets Kate Moss. I also dress seasonally; I trend more Parisian Chic in the winter/spring and Boho Chic in the summer/fall.

In general/décor: I’d like to think modern, sophisticated yet comfortable, and with a touch of luxe.

“We bought our townhouse new, and have tried desperately to make it as less of a white tract home box as possible (like replacing all of the standard knobs with polished brass pulls). What a difference!” Casablanca lantern, Z Gallerie; glass carafe, Cost Plus World Market; barstools, Design Within Reach; linear crystal chandelier, Z Gallerie.

“To make the standard white cabinets pop, we painted the walls in the kitchen a dark gray.” Paint, Ralph Lauren’s “Mombasa Mist;” runner, Pottery Barn; barstools, Design Within Reach.

“Even though I work from home, I have to dress the part everyday. My go-to look: a silk or button-down blouse (Madewell), skinny jeans (Mother “The Looker”), a little bling (Tiffany), and fun shoes (Cole Haan).”

Do you have a favorite room?
Probably my office — a good thing since I spend 8-12 hours a day in there! Because it’s my own creative space, I wasn’t so concerned about playing it safe. I need it to inspire me on a daily basis.

“We also added this Z Gallerie linear crystal chandelier over the island, giving the entire space a new life.”

“My dining room was the easiest space to throw together. Simply adding the framed 1970’s black/white photographs of Mick & Bianca Jagger and Farrah Fawcett — plus David Hick’s La Fiorentina pillows — pulled the entire room together.” Joie blouse; Courtney Kaye necklace.

“I am incredibly fortunate that my grandfather in Hawaii shipped my grandmother’s gold-rimmed, hand-painted china from Japan. We use it as often as possible, since I think she only used it a handful of times in 50+ years!” Gold flatware, One King’s Lane; ikat bowl, Nate Berkus for HSN; “Futura” salt & pepper shakers, Jonathan Adler.

What is one of the best compliments you’ve ever received about your home?
It’s a huge compliment whenever a publication, fellow blogger, or Pinterest pinner is inspired by what I’ve pulled together and wants to share it with others. HUGE compliment.

“I’ve really been into contemporary photography lately, so I was thrilled to get my hands on Gray Malin’s ‘Prada Marfa at Dawn.‘” Vintage faux bamboo desk/vanity; “Baby Aiden” satchel, Marc by Marc Jacobs; acrylic lamp, Target; travel sketch from Paris.

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